The Russian side have not played a competitive game for over two months due to the winter break but have squeezed in friendlies against Slovan Bratislava, Red Star Belgrade and Maribor during a warm-weather camp in Turkey before flying to Glasgow for Thursday's last-32 first-leg clash.

And Rodgers is not expecting Roberto Mancini's men to be showing signs of ring-rust.

The Northern Irishman said: 'You can look at it the other way and say that they could be fresher. They have been off for a period of time but they have been working and playing a number of games.

'So maybe the break will allow them to be a little bit more fresher. We obviously have it at the beginning of the season. It depends what your narrative is on it.'

Rodgers is looking for an enthusiastic Hoops support giving them a helping hand ahead of the return game in Russia next week.

The former Swansea City and Liverpool boss said: 'Having witnessed it over the last couple of seasons the support we get is incredible. As the manager stood there, the noise level is phenomenal.

'I have spoken to opposition players in the last couple of years and they have never heard a noise like it. We have to give the supporters something to get behind.'